CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to bring the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW) to Northern Mindanao, focusing on the circular economy from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1. In its first staging in Mindanao, the five-day event will be held in this city and will highlight DOST’s strategic pillars: promoting human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Romela Ratilla, DOST-10 director, said the event builds on recent initiatives, such as the Guinness World Record attempt to plant bamboo seedlings, to emphasize the importance of a circular economy. “We used bamboo to illustrate the importance of circular bamboo and its role in innovations that contribute to climate change adaptation,” Ratilla said.

This year’s NSTW theme, ‘Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan,’ with a subtheme ‘Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities in the Gre
en Economy,’ aligns with the event’s focus on sustainable practices. Over 10,000 participants are expected to attend, including representatives from local government units, startups, enterprises, legislators, students, and the general public.

The event will feature 33 forums at the Luxe Hotel and other nearby venues, alongside an expansive expo at Limketkai Center showcasing 150 technologies and innovations. Highlights include the NuLab: STEM in Motion roving laboratory, the Mobile Modular Food Processing Facility, and the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle.

On November 28, DOST will present its Circular Economy Program for smart communities and recognize partners in its world-record bamboo planting effort. Awards will also be given to key contributors in science, technology, and innovation.